OSI Seminar: Strategies for Addressing the Health Consequences of Drug Use in Roma Communities

Working in collaboration with the Initiative for Health Foundation, OSI's Roma Health Project and International Harm Reduction Development Program organized a technical training for Roma activists and health service providers on incorporating, increasing, and improving harm reduction services for Roma clients.

The seminar reviewed various strategies and program models, and  include interactive skills building sessions, site visits to harm reduction projects working with Roma, presentations and panel discussions by representatives of harm reduction organizations currently working in Roma communities, and networking and experience-sharing by participants.

The seminar objectives included:

• Learning about harm reduction and the philosophy and core services that are the foundation of a practical, human rights based approach to working with people who use drugs;
• Reviewing strategies and program models for incorporating appropriate harm reduction services into current work with Roma communities;
• Providing a collegial forum for learning and sharing ideas about introducing harm reduction to Roma clients and communities;
• Meeting and networking with colleagues who are providing or who are interested in providing harm reduction services in Roma communities; and
• Creating organization-specific action plans for incorporating harm reduction or improving current harm reduction services available to Roma clients.